wolves gameday

7 P.M. VS. Denver• Target Center • FSN, 830-AM

Preview: The Wolves have lost three in a row, all to playoff-caliber teams, and all were close losses. The three-game losing streak comes after a stretch in which the Wolves had won five of eight games. And it doesn't get any easier for the Wolves, who host Portland Saturday, then go on the road for a four-game road trip that includes games against the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City and San Antonio. The Nuggets, who played at Milwaukee on Tuesday, are struggling badly. Entering Tuesday's game Denver had won just two of its past 21 games, with losing streaks of seven, six and six.

Players to watch: Wolves PG Ricky Rubio is coming off his fourth career triple double. Monday he and starting shooting guard Gary Neal combined for 37 points and 21 rebounds. F Adreian Payne had a career-high 12 points Monday. Nuggets guard Ty Lawson has had double-doubles in 20 of 46 games entering Tuesday's game in Milwaukee. F Danilo Gallinari had scored 20 or more points in three of four games before Tuesday.

Numbers: The Wolves have split their past 10 home games, and have also split their last 10 games overall against the Nuggets, including a 113-105 victory at Denver Jan. 17.

Injuries: Wolves F Anthony Bennett (ankle), F Robbie Hummel (hand) and F Shabazz Muhammad (finger) are out. G Kevin Martin (illness) and C Nikola Pekovic (ankle) are questionable. Denver F Darrell Arthur (right calf) was listed as questionable for Tuesday's game. C Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) was out.

kent youngblood